Maintaining your swimming pool is essential for ensuring a clean and healthy swimming environment. Even small, simple tasks performed regularly can significantly enhance water quality. One crucial aspect of pool maintenance is the cleaning of the skimmer and pump basket. Unfortunately, many pool owners tend to overlook the skimmer basket for extended periods, only to discover it overflowing with leaves, debris, and sometimes even toys or other foreign objects that have found their way into the pool water.
It is recommended to clean your swimming pool’s skimmer basket at least once a week. The more frequently you remove debris from the basket, the better your pump’s filtration will perform. During peak swimming seasons or if your pool sees heavy use, consider adopting a routine of cleaning it twice a week or even daily.
Benefits of Keeping Your Skimmer Clean
Your pool skimmer is the first line of defense in your pump’s cleaning process. The water that circulates through the pump first encounters the skimmer and its basket. This design prevents many objects from entering the filter, allowing it to operate more efficiently and reducing the frequency of necessary cleanings. Additionally, the skimmer helps to protect your pool pump by blocking foreign objects that could potentially cause damage.
Some pools may also feature a secondary skimmer located just before water enters the pump. This additional skimmer catches any debris that the first one might have missed, ensuring that only the finest particles are sent through to the filter for final cleaning.
By keeping the skimmers free of debris, you can enhance the filtration and performance of your pool’s system, leading to improved suction and overall efficiency for a cleaner pool.
Reduce Skimmer Cleaning Frequency
If you’re looking to minimize the accumulation of debris in your skimmer and reduce the frequency of cleanings, consider the following tips:
- Keep a net skimmer handy while swimming. Use it to remove leaves, bugs, grass, and other unwanted items from the water. If you have cottonwood trees nearby, make sure to scoop up the cotton that floats on the surface.
- Maintain a safe distance between trees, tall grasses, and other natural habitats and your swimming pool. Trim back any overhanging limbs to minimize the amount of leaves and buds that blow into the water on breezy days.
- Remove toys, goggles, and other floating items after swimming. Leaving even a few toys in the water can cause the skimmer to catch them, hindering water flow to your pump. Larger items can completely block access to the pump.
- Establish a clean pathway to your pool. If you must walk barefoot on grassy areas, consider bagging the grass clippings when mowing. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of grass that enters your pool, keeping your skimmer basket cleaner.
- Implement any strategies that decrease the amount of debris entering your pool. If your pool is indoors or surrounded by a concrete area, you’ll likely find your skimmer requires less maintenance compared to one in a more natural setting.
How to Clean the Skimmer Basket
The primary goal when cleaning your skimmer basket is to remove all debris and ensure that the holes in the basket are clear. If you clean the basket daily, simply take it out, dump the contents, and replace it. You may need to tap the basket lightly against the side of the pool to ensure it is thoroughly emptied.
If you’re cleaning the basket weekly, expect to find more debris collected inside. In this case, use a garden hose to spray down the basket for a more thorough cleaning. I recommend spraying the basket weekly even if you clean it daily.
Cleaning the Pump Basket
If your pool has two skimmers, remember to clean the one located near the pump as well. However, daily cleaning of this basket is not necessary since the first skimmer typically catches most of the debris. While cleaning routines may vary slightly, the following steps should take only a few minutes:
- Turn off the swimming pool pump.
- If you have a sand filter, switch it to the CLOSED position to prevent water from entering the pump through the return line. Alternatively, you can block the return with a plug. Some filter pumps may have a shutoff valve.
- Plug the skimmer by removing the skimmer basket and placing a plug in the pipe to stop water from entering the pump.
- Once ensured that no water can enter the pump, open the lid covering your pump skimmer basket. This often requires turning it counter-clockwise, although this may vary.
- Remove the basket, empty it, and give it a good spray with your hose before replacing it back in its cradle.
- Close the lid securely. Occasionally applying a bit of Vaseline to the seal can help prevent the lid from sticking in the future.
- Remove the plug from the skimmer, reset your filter to filtration mode, and turn the pool back on.
Due to the suction dynamics of your swimming pool pump, you may find that only one side of the basket needs cleaning. The water’s force generally pushes debris toward the side connected to the pump.
Addressing Skimmer Basket Floating Issues
Ensure that your skimmer basket is securely locked in place after cleaning. If the basket floats while the pump is running, it can allow debris to bypass the skimmer, leading to contamination in your second skimmer or even directly into the pump and filter.
Some skimmers and baskets feature a notch designed to lock the basket in place. To secure it, simply insert the basket into the skimmer and turn it to lock. To remove it, turn it in the opposite direction. If your skimmer does not have this feature, the basket may begin to float. In such cases, consider placing a heavy stone in the bottom of the skimmer to keep it anchored.
Be cautious not to use rocks that may dissolve in water or are too large, as they could interfere with the pump’s operation. Avoid metal weights or anything that may rust, as these can damage your skimmer or basket over time. Alternatively, your local pool supply store may offer specialized skimmer weights for purchase, but a simple rock can often do the trick just as well.
Identifying Low Suction Issues
Sometimes, an overfull skimmer basket can reduce the suction power of your pool pump, resulting in decreased water flow. This issue is often evident when observing your pool’s pump pressure gauge.
This situation can occur rapidly, especially while vacuuming if a significant amount of debris is being collected from the bottom of the pool. In these instances, the skimmer will catch most of the larger items before they reach the filter. If you notice decreased suction, it’s important to clean your skimmer basket immediately and ensure the pathway to the pump is clear. You may also want to clean the pump’s basket at this time, if applicable.
If cleaning the skimmer basket does not restore the desired suction level, check the filter for clogs. Sand filters may require backwashing, while cartridge filters might need cleaning or replacement to return the water suction to normal.
Establishing Routine Habits is Key
As I always emphasize, creating a routine is essential for keeping your swimming pool clean and extending its lifespan. Many pool owners add chlorine and shock their pools weekly. Consider using this time to also check and empty your skimmer baskets if necessary.
If you add bleach to your pool daily or have a different method for maintaining pool health, consider emptying any leaves or debris caught in the skimmer on a daily basis. Regardless of your cleaning schedule, sticking to a consistent routine will help ensure your pool remains clear, clean, and inviting for anyone who asks, “Can I come over and swim?” You’ll never have to worry about a dirty pool again.